Kim Moonsoo: "A Well-Managed Nuclear Plant Is Safer"
Lee Jaemyung Rebuts with "Fukushima and Chernobyl Cases"
Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, and Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, clashed over nuclear power policy. When Kim asked, "Do you think the nuclear phase-out policy during former President Moon Jae-in's administration was wrong?" Lee responded, "It is not possible to make a black-and-white judgment simply on whether nuclear power is necessary or not."
During the TV debate hosted by the National Election Commission and broadcast by the three major networks, energy policy became a key issue. Kim asked, "What will you do about nuclear power?" In response, Lee said, "We need an energy mix that combines nuclear power, renewable energy, and other energy policies in a comprehensive way." He added, "Nuclear power is fundamentally risky and presents ongoing issues, so we should use nuclear energy only to a reasonable extent and transition toward a society centered on renewable energy."
Lee explained, "Given the tremendous damage that can occur in the event of a nuclear accident, it would be better to avoid nuclear power if possible." He continued, "I don't think it's possible to completely stop using nuclear power as a base load source, so we should utilize it within the possible range and focus on research and development of safer options like SMRs (Small Modular Reactors)." He also rebutted the framing of the issue as a simple choice between nuclear power and a nuclear phase-out, saying, "National governance is not that simple or black-and-white."
Kim argued, "A well-managed nuclear power plant is not dangerous; rather, it is safer and more environmentally friendly." In response, Lee countered, "If it's so safe, why did the Fukushima and Chernobyl accidents happen? How can you guarantee that Korean reactors will be safe forever?" He concluded, "Because of these issues, my position is that we should use a combination of both approaches."
On the 18th, presidential candidates from each political party pledged their efforts at the 21st Presidential Election Candidates Debate hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission held at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul. From the left: Kim Moonsoo of the People Power Party, Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party, Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea. 2025.5.18 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Kim went on to say, "The unit cost of nuclear energy production is one-eighth that of wind power and one-sixth that of solar power. The reason we have not used such cheap and safe nuclear power is because of the arguments of misguided environmentalists." Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, also commented, "I am concerned that Lee is swayed by environmentalists when making national decisions. Even if he comes to power, I worry that he will accept the positions of the environmental cartel and hinder industry."
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